Tag Archives: Piper Rayne

The Problem with Second Chances by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Problem with Second Chances (Lake Starlight #1) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

Title: The Problem with Second Chances
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Calista and Rylan’s story is really cute, but kind of heartbreaking in moments. It’s honestly just a story about second chances, missing your moment and trying to find your way back to your person. The Right Person and the Wrong Time, indeed. Although I really loved this, and I will definitely reread it again in the future, it hit a little harder than some of the other Piper Rayne romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Something about the many misfires that Calista and Ryan experience were kind of tough to read about, and the fact that they had to feel so much pain before they could find one another again just really plucked at the heart strings.

Reading The Problem with Second Chances made me realise that I really need to go back and read the rest of the Baileys series, and start the Greenes series. This might be the beginning of the Lake Starlight series, but it is the end of both of the Baileys and the Greenes siblings. On the one hand, I love how interconnected all of the Piper Rayne books and series are, but on the other, it just keeps adding books to my TBR pile. Calista and Rylan tie in so many of these stories, and just made me so curious as to how they show up in other people’s stories and tales.

The core of Calista and Rylan’s story is really just about figuring out how to let go of expectations and move towards a future together. It’s forgiving each other for past mistakes, and letting the past go. I particularly liked how their past together is slowly unraveled, and the challenges that they faced informed their future. Neither Calista nor Rylan strike me as bitter, just sad and hurt that the tricky circumstances in which they found themselves. For me, it was Calista’s injury and how that completely unraveled their plans, both together and separate, that really plucked at my heart strings. Maybe sitting a little too close to home for my sanity.

Calista and Rylan might be tied together by their history (of which there is a lot), but I love that they end up falling in love because of who they have become. It’s a great little story that sometimes we have to pull apart to find out way back together. And a great story about growing up, growing apart, and then growing old together. Again, a story I will definitely reread in the future, but with the understanding that this one can just hit a little closer to the heart than some of the other Piper Rayne stories I’ve got on my shelves.

<- More Piper RayneThe Issue with Bad Boy Roommates ->

Image source: Goodreads

My Beautiful Neighbour by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
My Beautiful Neighbor (The Greene Family, #1) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

Title: My Beautiful Neighbour
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Greene Family #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It’s fun reading about Cade and Presley as they fall in love, they’re a little bit fun and cute. With enough drama and angst thrown in there to keep things entertaining. I mean, they are the quintessential Friends with Benefits who catch feelings couple, which is exactly why I don’t believe in being Friends with Benefits. I particularly love how quickly Presley is on the uptake of her feelings and change of opinion. But, Cade, being a typical bull-headed male, was so much slower in the uptake. Which made for some interesting conflict and a little bit of humorous family banter.

I dove into this because of The Issue with Second Chances and Rylan’s story. As with many books created by Piper Rayne, there is a layer of connection, and in this case, Rylan is the last of the Greene Family to fall in love. It was fun to go right back to the beginning and find out about the unique dynamics of this family. Cade worked really well as the introduction to the Greene Family. I mean, it doesn’t go into too much depth about the structure beyond the fact that they are a blended family, but some of Cade’s hangups reveal the challenges that some of his siblings are going to face in the future.

I really liked the way that Presley not only has to negotiate falling in love, but also discovering her sister and trying to figure out this relationship too. Honestly, I was expecting a little bit more resistance to Presley’s relationship with Clara (from Clara herself), and I absolutely adored the fact that there wasn’t. I was also completely expecting Jed to try and actively sabotage his brother and Presley. Again, I like that this didn’t quite work out the way that I expected. Both these startlingly new and challenging relationships for Presley offered challenges, but not to the point that there was too much emotion and angst.

Honestly, one of my favourite things that I love about Piper Rayne’s writing and stories is how it is all about love, family and acceptance. And My Beautiful Neighbor absolutely fits within that theme. I absolutely adored how accepting and open Clara and the rest of the Greenes are towards Presley. I love the support and encouragement that the family offers and just how generous they are in their love.

<- My Twist of FortuneMy Almost Ex ->

Image source: Goodreads

Birth of a Baby Daddy by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Birth of a Baby Daddy : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Birth of a Baby Daddy
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Although there was a bit of a teaser at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride and you kind of had to guess which twin this was about… I already kind of knew. I mean, it could have gone both ways, but something about the reactions and the start of their story made me guess Rome. And, I absolutely loved that, not only was I correct, but also that his story started off with such a wonderful bang. Diving straight in from the scene at the end of Advice from a Jilted Bride, you are just swept up in the chaos of a Baby Daddy getting to know the mother of his child and his daughter.

I loved that this romance was one in which the couple get to know one another through co-parenting. In fact, there isn’t a huge romantic drive at the beginning of the story, it’s more about their daughter and trying to figure out how to co-parent. And, it isn’t until they start to really get to know one another that they start to fall. It’s a great way to go from one-night stand, to co-parents, to lovers, and in doing so, acknowledging and dealing with all of their nonsense and hangups. 

One of the facets of this story that I loved the most was how quickly Harley enjoys jumping on board with welcoming the Bailey family into her daughter’s life. Whilst she shows up with no expectations, and just wants information, she quickly welcomes her daughter’s family without actually putting up many barriers. I’m so used to romances and stories in which the mother is reluctant to open the door to the extended family, and I love that she’s not like this. Completely, totally and utterly putting her daughter’s needs and well-being above all else.

I love that Birth of a Baby Daddy introduces the very first of Grandma Dori’s first great-grandchildren. The whole Bailey clan might want to get to know Calista, but it is Grandma Dori’s intense (and somewhat manic) need to get to bond with Calista that really drives it. Plus, there is this sense of family and love that I can’t get past with this series. It might be about Rome and Harley, but, for me, it’s also about how the entire Bailey clan are able to pull together and support one another.

<- Advice from a Jilted BrideOperation Bailey Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

Advice from a Jilted Bride by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Advice From A Jilted Bride : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Advice from a Jilted Bride
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I had already guessed that Brooklyn was going to be the next sibling in the Baileys series, I mean, her story arc was already perfectly set up in Lessons from a One-Night Stand. What I wasn’t sure of was how this was all going to unfold. I mean, it was pretty obvious that Brooklyn was going to be left at the alter by a horrible man. Because leaving someone at the altar already puts you into this category, but I didn’t know how she was going to find her forever partner, or how the ex-groom would continue to be vilified. It happened, it happened brilliantly, and I seriously loved this whole story.

The Meet Cute for Brooklyn and Wyatt was brilliant – I mean, she’s in a wedding dress, throwing a book out the door, and then making Wyatt bleed in the very opening portions. Then, they start to get to know one another. I really loved how this wasn’t the most picturesque and romantic of meetings, and honestly, Brooklyn kind of acted like a psycho (understandably). But, it was certainly a memorable meeting. One that will have me giggling anytime I reflect on this story and good jilted bride tales.

Like Austin in Lessons from a One-Night Stand, Wyatt had to stop and seriously reconsider what his life goals were. I also love that he is the big city business man who, ultimately, decides to give it up to follow a happier ever after. I’ve read plenty of stories in which the woman has to give up her dreams and rejig her future to match her partner, but this is one of the few that I’ve read in which the man has to shift his priorities in a way that involves moving to a small town and following love. Which, I absolutely adored. After all, sometimes it should be the man who needs to compromise in a larger manner.

I read Advice from a Jilted Bride in one sitting due to insomnia. And it was honestly a great way to distract myself and keep myself calm. This was a beautiful, cute, and sweet story. It made me smile, laugh and believe in happily ever afters. Which, sometimes is all I really want from a good book. Plus, Jeff is an idiot. I just had to put that out there, because, seriously idiotic.

<- Lessons from a One-Night StandBirth of a Baby Daddy ->

Image source: Amazon

Lessons from a One-Night Stand by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Lessons from a One-Night Stand : Rayne, Piper: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Lessons from a One-Night Stand
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Baileys #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I really loved the story of Austin and Holly. Honestly, I picked this book up when I needed a little bit of a pick me up, and it hit absolutely perfectly. One of the reasons why I enjoy Piper Rayne so much – their writing is always somewhat cheerful and sweet. And it always works as a great pick me up in the darker moments. Don’t get me wrong, Austin and Holly have got their share of challenges and angst (it’d be boring otherwise), but it is that perfect balance of angst that makes you want to keep reading, without destroying your heart in the making. Which some books do, and they also have their time and place.

One of the things that seriously kept me diving into this series was the fact that Holly moved to Lake Starlight to find her father and get some answers about her past. But, there are a whole heap of hints that there is more to it than appears on the surface, and that this is going to be a major point of conflict. It made me continuously inhale Lessons from a One-Night Stand – I couldn’t wait to see what barriers Holly’s parenthood would throw up. And, because it was Piper Rayne, it really didn’t throw up the barriers / work out the way that I had anticipated.

Then, there’s the counterpoint to Holly. Where she eventually falls for the quaint town and has moved there for answers, all Austin wants out of his life is to leave the town that he grew up in. I love how both Austin and Holly have to readjust their expectations for their future. At a point of conflict and turning in my own life, it was a good reminder that the things we need and love aren’t necessarily what we expected. In particular, for Austin, he has to actually sit back and wonder if past dreams are worth chasing, or if it’s okay to create new ones to reach for.

Lessons from a One-Night Stand is a great introduction to the Baileys siblings and the different challenges that they will face. Both having lost his parents at a young age, and being the centre of a small town. It was fun to read how stifled, and yet supported Austin feels by the people around him. As someone who is part of a small community and town, I can completely attest to how this can feel. On the one hand, small communities can really come together to support one another. On the other, sometimes that nosy entitlement can get a bit overwhelming.

Austin might be the first of the siblings to fall into his happily ever after, but I also absolutely adored learning more about the siblings and their lives. It also helps that I read Lessons from a One-Night Stand after starting the Lake Starlight series – so I had a bit of insight into how the next generation was going to unfold anyway. It was fun to read about the generation before, and now I can’t wait to keep inhaling the rest of the Baileys siblings stories.

<- More Piper RayneAdvice from a Jilted Bride ->

Image source: Amazon

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Co-Worker’s Crush
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: The Rooftop Crew #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’m not sure why I decided to pick up the final book in The Rooftop Crew series last. But I’m really glad that I did. It was a fun and engaging read, and has really made me keen to dive into the rest of the series. Plus, it was the first contemporary romance book that I’ve read by Piper Rayne that isn’t also a sports romance. It just shows that they can also write well in this genre, with slightly more damaged heroes and heroines than I have previously expected.

Frankie and Jax work together wonderfully well. They go from workmates who irritate each other, to friends, to lovers, to forever. And it was so much fun going through this transition with both of them. Plus, they are both working through their own legal and social battles to try and get answers and clarity in their lives. Again, a journey that I enjoyed as a backdrop to their romance. The use of tattoo artists in this world was also a unique and fun angle to take. I haven’t read many (if any) contemporary romances which feature a tattoo parlour and tattoo artists as the leads. I always love finding out about new worlds in the joys of my readings.

Although Frankie and Jax don’t really do the apart and back together part of the relationship that I was expecting, they definitely have some battles to face. In fact, the largest battle that they have to face is that they need to learn to trust again. Or, in the case of Jax, fully learn to trust for the first time ever. I really enjoyed that throughout all of this, Jolie, Frankie’s daughter is a slightly manipulative driver of everything. It is done through the lens of childhood innocence, but it was quite entertaining watching (in my mind’s eye) Jax and Frankie fumbling with how to deal with her desires and choices.

A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne was a relatively low angst story that just involved a lot of personal growth. Frankie’s dealings with her ex were horrible, but I love how her mother-in-law quickly steps in and deals with him when she’s over his nonsense. Rather than being a relationship that was strained because of the outside influences, which I kind of expected, this was one that was very much influenced by the internal battles the couple are facing. It is their past they have to move on from, not the present nonsense that they have to overcome. I loved this and can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series to see how all of the other couples fell in love first.

<- The Do-OverMore Piper Rayne ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

The Issue with bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Lake Starlight #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Going on a journey with Brinley and Van as they go from flirtation to roommates to lovers was ridiculously fun. I also like how they both have their own character growth and development to go through. This isn’t the first book in the Lake Starlight series, and now I want to read more about not only the Lake Starlight romances, but I also want to dive into the Baileys series. I get the feeling that the Baileys is a precursor to the couples that occur in the Lake Starlight books and I must read them all now.

I spent most of this story waiting for the conflict, the other shoe to drop. However, what I did not expect was the way in which this occurred. I thought that the conflict would be a point of internal concern that would make either Van or Brin basically run away from their connection. Which, it kind of was. But, mostly, it was a point of conflict that was completely enmeshed in their pasts. It was a total twist, that up until right before the reveal, I honesty didn’t see coming. Which, of course, I absolutely loved.

Brin being widowed at a young age was a really interesting and somewhat intense concept. I love how preceding her meeting Van for the first time, Brin has very obviously worked through the different stages of grief. As someone who is going through grief, I love that Piper Rayne deals with the length of time it takes to deal with this and the different aspects of ongoing grief so well. Brin’s strength at finally breaking free of the slightly toxic cycle of overprotection was also completely emotional and empowering. Moving forward from this cycle and the grief is an amazing moment and part of why I loved this story so much.

This was one of those contemporary romances that I just didn’t want to put down. The backgrounds of both the characters was brilliant. And I loved the growth that they both go through to find their happily ever afters. Brinley and Van are a wonderful couple, their ability to support and love one another made me all happy inside. And now I want to read more about the rest of the Bailey clan as they all find their happily ever afters.

<- The Problem with Second ChancesThe Trouble with Runaway Brides ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows since the fun little prequel, False Start. I’m not really sure what distracted me from diving straight in. But I’m really glad that I eventually got there. As with all of the Piper Rayne books I’ve had the privilege of reading, I absolutely adored this. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows was a fun and enjoyable sports romance. One that not only had a wonderful couple in the lead, with a whole lot of past that majorly complicated things. But, it also introduced a new cast of characters that I couldn’t help but love. They were fun and I can’t wait to read about each of the boys falling to the women they decide to love like dominoes.

As much as I enjoyed this romance, Shayna is far more forgiving than I think I could be. But, I know how to hold a grudge, and Shayna is definitely a lot more grown up and sweet than I could ever hope to be. Don’t get me wrong, she does hold onto her feelings for a little while, and her being able to forgive Lee for his childish nonsense is a big point of their conflict. But, the past and past hurts weren’t the only things that acted as a point of conflict for the couple. I like that there are other challenges that they face, all coloured by the past, but also influenced by the present. Rather than being bitter and stuck with what has been before, Shayna manages to be optimistic and kind in all of her dealings.

Although Lee is very obviously apologetic for his past stupidity, he is also a little too enmeshed in his own privilege. He consistently believes that because he thinks or says something will be so, it will turn out the way that he wants. Even when Shayna warns him, repeatedly about the consequences of his choices, he just… barrels on ahead. Honestly, his surprise at the outcome of their final hurdle to be together was almost laughable. If it wasn’t for the fact that his privilege made me want to smack him round the head and scoff “idiot”. Yet, this very steep (and kind of unnecessary if he’d just listened to Shayna) learning curve actually acts as a mechanism for him to learn about his privilege. I like that he ultimately acknowledges that he was acting in a very ignorant manner and figures out a way to move forwards with his head just a little further out of his own butt.

I can’t wait to read You Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks. His story is set up perfectly, as I’m discovering many of the stories in the Piper Rayne world are. I might not be reading each of the series (and even individual stories) in order, but each and every journey into this world is a whole lot of fun. You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows is a good, easy and fun sports romance that had me smiling and, honestly, believing anything is possible. A great way to depart reality and just enjoy what I have the privilege of burying my literary nose into.

<- False StartYou Can’t Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks ->

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Best Laid Plans by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Best Laid Plans
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Blue Collar Brothers #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, First responders romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Best Laid Plans is a great little teaser hint for the Blue Collar Brothers series. It not only introduces the three Bianco brothers who will feature in this series. But, it also fantastically introduces the three women who are going to be their love interests. Lauren, Vanessa and Maddie all manage to win one “date” for their friends in this auction. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen when each of these unwilling couples collides. And how the sparks will fly beautifully in doing so.

This is a fantastic novella that works as a brilliant prequel to a series I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Not only does it introduce the six members of the three couples perfectly, it also starts to hint at the different hangups of the three women involved. I love a good amount of character development in my stories, and the different ways the three women are against their incoming dates hints at a whole lot of character development in this series. oh, and did I mention that each of the brothers is a First Responder? There is just something about a man in uniform…

One of the things that I’ve come to love about Piper Rayne is the way that they introduce a series. By writing a short prequel novella like Best Laid Plans, they are able to pull you into a world that is wonderfully unexpected. Plus, it provides teasers for not just one book, but for three different ones. It leads into the series perfectly, and I’m completely excited to dive headfirst into Flirting with Fire.

<- More Piper RayneFlirting with Fire ->

Image source: Piper Rayne

My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: My Lucky #13
Author: Piper Rayne
Series: Hockey Hotties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I knew from the very first moment reading about Aiden and Saige in Countdown to a Kiss that I was going to love their story. I mean, they are just way too cute. And sweet. And just all of the things that I love in a good couple. The fact that they build their relationship on friendship and respect just made me love them all that much more. The fact that they are able to build this relationship with each other when they are dealing with an overriding lust for one another… it was honestly an impossible book to put down.

I’ve heard about superstitions in pro athletes, but I love how Piper Rayne was able to take this idea and give you a superstition that wasn’t quite what I expected. Having a drink thrown in the face of lucky #13 was hilarious. And it was downright joyful just to see how everyone reacted to a superstition which isn’t exactly glorious. Plus, it gives you a beautiful Meet Cute. And it also leads to Saige really recognising how much of an inconsiderate fool Joran is at times. Particularly when he just… is okay with Aiden and Saige travelling around the country together with no second thoughts.

This was one of those romances where I thought the biggest challenge would be the couple actually getting together. And I was ridiculously excited when they did… only to realise just how much of this book was left. They’re a great couple, and seeing that plenty of the book was left just made me realise that there was more than one road bump in the way. That final twist was incredibly sad and hurt my  heart a whole lot. But, I love how they still found their way to each other and created their own happily ever after, moving past the nonsense of the past.

Not only was My Lucky #13 a wonderful read, but it beautifully set up the drama that is to come for Maksim and Ford. This showed the brotherhood of the hockey teams, the high stakes of being a professional athlete. And also the trouble two of Aiden’s best friends are about to find themselves in. Drama that is going to be absolutely delicious to read (and probably impossible to put down too).

<- Countdown to a KissThe Trouble with #9 ->

Image source: Kobo